I am just fascinated by the WAV! We went to the grand opening last weekend and were blown away by the energy and talent there. The entire concept is commendable and should be replicated across the country.

And the good news is, the WAV is one of the first stops on our Ventura/Ojai Art Tour June 4-6. We are having an amazing time preparing for this tour, and each week I will post a virtual mini-tour of some of the fun and fabulous experiences you will have. From my conversations with the artists and my visits to the venues, I know this will be an event you will cherish forever!

I am excited and a little goose-bumpy as just one of the places we will visit Friday night in Ventura is the WAV, the Working Artists in Ventura housing project. You will be one of the first people to visit the first financially and environmentally sustainable arts community in the world. At the Grand Opening of the WAV we were wowed by this amazing 59 million dollar project that was built on land donated by the City of Ventura on the site where the first Ventura Native American Chumash artist lived and created. Fifty-four units have been especially designed for working artists to live with their families where they can have studio and gallery space right where they live. Another fifteen units have been set aside to serve the needs of transitional families coming out of homelessness or aging out of the foster care system. In addition, there are thirteen penthouse units, available for purchase, which include ocean and mountain views from their rooftop decks where a hybrid car is included with purchase! The complex also includes a theatre/gallery and commercial spaces.

You will have the opportunity to meet the artists and see and experience their works. The WAV houses artists of every kind – painters, sculptors, dancers, poets, musicians, filmmakers and more.

Chris Velasco, Director of PLACE (Projects Linking Art, Community & Environment, www.placeonline.us), said at the opening ceremonies of the WAV, “What you will see are people living, working, creating, and interrelating. And the effect of all that exuberant collaboration is something to see. In fact, it can be transformational. Be prepared to be inspired.”

You can’t help but be touched by the stories of the people who live in the WAV. The creative energy is palpable in the air. Come experience this special place and see what a community working together can do. Sign up now at http://www.theheartoftheartist.com/art-tours/ or call 661-428-3610. You won’t want to miss this unforgettable experience where the visit to the WAV is just of many events you will savor.

I strongly recommend that you sign up as soon as possible as this tour will be limited to no more than 25 individuals. Also be sure to sign up for The Heart of the Artist Blog by clicking on the link to your left which gives you a $25 discount on the tour! And please forward this information to all your friends that you know would love this experience!